Montana’s Early Inhabitants

The land now known as Montana was first home to many Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet, Cheyenne, and Crow. These nations lived off the land and established deep cultural ties to the region’s wilderness and natural resources.

Exploration and Early Settlement

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Montana became part of U.S. territory. Traders, trappers, and explorers soon entered the region, drawn by its abundant wildlife and plentiful resources. Their arrival marked the beginning of significant change for the area’s native peoples and landscapes.

The Louisiana Purchase included much of modern-day Montana.

The Gold Rush Era

By the mid-1800s, the search for gold transformed Montana. Prospectors established towns like Virginia City, Bannack, and Butte, which grew into thriving mining centers. These settlements attracted waves of newcomers seeking fortune in the western frontier.

Statehood and the Copper Boom

Montana became a state in 1889. Beyond gold, the discovery of silver and copper created new opportunities for mining and fueled rapid development. The state’s history was also shaped by the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, where Native American warriors defeated U.S. troops under General George Custer.

20th Century Montana

Mining, farming, and ranching drove Montana’s economy in the early 20th century. During World War II, the state’s resources and location made it vital to the defense industry. Communities supported the national war effort while continuing to grow their agricultural output.

Modern Montana

Today, Montana is recognized for its outdoor recreation, from hiking and skiing to hunting and fishing. Cultural and historical sites such as Yellowstone National Park, the Lewis and Clark Caverns, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument highlight its enduring legacy.

Discussion Questions

1. How did the discovery of gold and other minerals shape Montana’s development?
2. What role did Native American tribes play in Montana’s early history?
3. Why was the Battle of the Little Bighorn a significant event in U.S. history?
4. How has Montana’s economy shifted from the 19th century to the present?

Glossary

• Louisiana Purchase – The 1803 U.S. purchase of land from France that doubled the nation’s size.
• Prospector – A person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold.
• Battle of the Little Bighorn – An 1876 battle where Native American forces defeated U.S. Army troops.
• Ranching – The practice of raising livestock such as cattle or sheep on large areas of land.

Montana Timeline

• Pre-1800s – Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Crow, and other tribes inhabit the region.
• 1803 – Louisiana Purchase adds Montana to U.S. territory.
• 1804–1806 – Lewis and Clark Expedition travels through Montana.
• 1840s–1850s – Fur trappers and traders expand into Montana.
• 1862 – Gold discovered in Grasshopper Creek; Bannack founded.
• 1864 – Virginia City becomes a major mining town.
• 1876 – Battle of the Little Bighorn.
• 1889 – Montana becomes the 41st U.S. state.
• 1890s – Copper mining boom in Butte.
• 1910s – Farming and ranching expand across the plains.
• 1940s – Montana contributes to World War II war effort.
• 1978 – Creation of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
• 2000s – Growth of tourism and outdoor recreation industries.